As we observe National Diabetes Month, we acknowledge the millions of Americans grappling with diabetes, while reaffirming our dedication to fostering a healthier nation.
The United States is entrenched in a health crisis of formidable proportions. Currently, six out of ten Americans are living with at least one chronic illness, nearly 40 percent teeter on the edge of pre-diabetes, and over ten percent are already diagnosed with diabetes. When we stack these numbers against global health statistics, the prognosis for our population reveals a troubling trend—one that becomes even more concerning when we focus on our youth. Alarmingly, around 30 percent of children exhibit pre-diabetic indicators, and more than 40 percent fall into the categories of overweight or obese. The children of today are the workforce, caregivers, and leaders of tomorrow; thus, this crisis cannot be swept under the rug. Through my administration’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, we are tackling this challenge head-on by advocating for transparency, reinstating rigorous scientific standards, and promoting innovative approaches to restore the health of our children and, by extension, the future of our nation.
The surge in obesity and diabetes among children is not merely a coincidence; it underscores both the gravity of the situation and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our national diet has veered sharply towards ultra-processed foods, while the levels of physical activity have plummeted. My administration is strategically focusing its efforts on those areas where policy and actionable change can yield significant results—by advancing pivotal research, catalyzing innovation, and ensuring tangible outcomes for diseases that take root in childhood and persist into adulthood, diabetes being one of the most critical.
As we mobilize to thwart chronic diseases and champion healthier futures, we are equally committed to ensuring that Americans currently living with diabetes have access to essential medications. During my first term, I implemented measures to cap insulin copays for numerous seniors at a mere $35. In April, I furthered this initiative by signing an Executive Order aimed at slashing drug prices—including a dramatic reduction in insulin costs to as low as $0.03 plus a nominal administrative fee for low-income patients and the uninsured—ensuring that no American has to choose between their health and financial stability.
While diabetes is undeniably a transformative disease, it does not have to dictate the trajectory of one’s life. With timely detection, informed lifestyle choices, and appropriate care, Americans can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. This month, I implore citizens to take control of their health and understand their risks. Together, we can confront the diabetes epidemic, safeguard future generations, and indeed, Make America Healthy Again.
